Manchester United have made it four wins from four matches on their pre-season tour of the United States after beating Real Madrid on penalties in the International Champions Cup on Sunday night.
Jesse Lingard sent Man United ahead in stoppage time at the end of the first period, but Real Madrid were level in the 69th minute when Casemiro smashed a penalty past David de Gea.
The contest went to penalties after the two teams could not be separated in normal time, and it was Man United that won 2-1 on spot kicks to continue their impressive pre-season record.
Relive Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live International Champions Cup coverage continues from the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California as Real Madrid take on Manchester United. Man United are three from three on their pre-season tour of the United States thus far, but this match will mark the start of Real Madrid's preparations for the 2017-18 campaign. Stay tuned for all of the action right here!
Before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news for this glamour tie. Real Madrid are without a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, but a very strong Los Blancos team will start this pre-season friendly. As for Man United, head coach Jose Mourinho has shuffled his pack once again. Let's have a look at the two XIs that will start this clash in California...
TEAMS!
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; Vasquez, Benzema, Bale
UTD: Romero; Fosu-Mensah, Bailly, Jones, Darmian; Carrick, Fellaini, Pereira; Martial, Rashford, Lingard
Bar Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably Real Madrid's strongest team starts tonight. Keylor Navas is given the nod between the sticks, while Nacho will start alongside Raphael Varane at centre-back. Further forward, Isco starts in a three-man midfield with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, leaving Lucas Vasquez, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in a very strong Los Blancos XI here.
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As for Man United, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian and Andreas Pereira are all given spots in the XI, while Marcus Rashford will lead the line with support from Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial. There is no Romelu Lukaku in the Man United side tonight, while Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan also start on the bench. As expected, Jose Mourinho has shuffled his pack once again.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 50 minutes from kickoff on this warm afternoon in California. I shall talk about Real Madrid and how they are shaping up this summer a little bit later, but let's first start with Premier League giants Man United, who have been extremely busy since arriving in the United States on their pre-season tour earlier this month.
Real Madrid are yet to play a friendly match this summer, but this will be Man United's fourth fixture. The Red Devils opened their pre-season tour with a 5-2 win over Los Angeles Galaxy last weekend, before beating Real Salt Lake 2-1 on Monday night. Both MLS teams provided a good test for Man United, but Mourinho's side stepped up a level when they took on Manchester City on Thursday night.
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Both Mourinho and Pep Guardiola selected strong teams for the first Manchester derby outside of England, and it was Man United that recorded a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Lukaku and Rashford. Lukaku and Rashford have now scored twice during this pre-season tour, and the performances of those two in tandem has certainly been exciting for the Red Devils fans to watch.
Mourinho has made no secret of the fact that he wants to sign at least one more new player in this summer's transfer window, and it remains to be seen who comes through the door. Lukaku has impressed in a red shirt this summer, however, and the same can also be said for Swedish centre-back Lindelof following his arrival from Benfica. Both new signings start on the bench for Man United here.
In terms of what is ahead for Man United, they have the small matter of a clash with Spanish giants Barcelona on Wednesday night, which will bring their USA tour to a close. The 20-time English champions will then take on Valerenga and Sampdoria in their final two friendlies, before facing Champions League holders Real Madrid in the European Super Cup on August 8.
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Man United's 2017-18 Premier League challenge will then get underway on August 13 when they welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford. The new season is fast approaching, but Mourinho's side still have a lot of football to play over the coming weeks, and it will be very, very interesting to see what XI takes to the field on the opening weekend of the new league campaign.
The pre-match thoughts of the boss, who's been speaking to #MUTV... pic.twitter.com/qqybPiimTQ — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 23, 2017
As for Real Madrid, it would be fair to say that the Spanish giants enjoyed a pretty successful 2016-17 season. Well, that might be the understatement of the century. Zidane's side managed to wrestle La Liga away from Barcleona, in addition to becoming the first team to successfully defend the Champions League in its modern format. They are currently the powerhouse side in European football.
This is Real Madrid's first match since the 2017 Champions League final, where they recorded a 4-1 victory over Juventus to retain the title in brilliant fashion. Los Blancos will surely be the team to beat once again next season, although it has not been a particularly busy summer in terms of transfers.
In terms of what is ahead for Real Madrid, they will take on Manchester City on Wednesday night, before facing Spanish rivals Barcelona three days later. The club's pre-season tour of the United States will then come to an end against MLS All-Stars on August 2, before taking on Man United in the European Super Cup on August 8. Just a reminder of how Real Madrid will start tonight...
📝🏃🇺🇸 #RMTour#RealMadrid XI 🆚 @ManUtd #HalaMadrid #RMMovistar pic.twitter.com/vAGVGHsrah
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 23, 2017
Real Madrid will then have the small matter of a two-legged Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona on August 11 and August 14, before travelling to Deportivo La Coruna on the opening weekend of the 2017-18 campaign. Like Man United, Real Madrid will play a lot of football in the coming weeks as bid to be ready for the start of the new season. Kickoff is now just about 10 minutes away...
73 - In his first whole season as Real Madrid's boss, Zidane won 73% of the games (44 out of 60). Restart pic.twitter.com/5qeIjXrssh — OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 23, 2017
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. We are approaching 2pm local time in California, and the temperature is 30 degrees. It is hot, hot, hot inside the ground. Man United should be fitter than Real Madrid, having played three times already during pre-season.
Just a reminder that there will be no Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid tonight. The Portuguese is still enjoying his holidays after representing his country in the Confederations Cup earlier this summer. Gareth Bale is here, however, and starts alongside Benzema and Lucas Vasquez in the final third.
Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. There will be wholesale changes at the interval, but let's just worry about the opening half for now. It might be a friendly, but matches between these two European giants are always special. Can Man United make it four from four on tour? Stay tuned to follow live minute-by-minute coverage of the action.
We're almost ready! #MUTOUR pic.twitter.com/kDjxGA1pSK — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 23, 2017
KICKOFF! Man United kick things off at the Levi's Stadium...
... not a full house inside this wonderful stadium, but there is a good atmosphere, and the fans will be hoping for goals. In just over a fortnight, these two teams will meet in the European Super Cup, but this match is all about preparations for the new campaign. Man United have the early possession.
There has been a brilliant tempo to these opening four minutes, with both teams pressing high up the field. Man United have already shown their quick movement in the final third, while Isco is seeing plenty of the ball for Real Madrid. I would be surprised if there were not goals in this game.
Real Madrid are looking to counter as soon as Man United lose possession, while the Premier League outfit are also looking to break quickly on the Spaniards. That is creating an open game!
Romero has to punch clear a cross from Benzema, with the Frenchman's pass curling towards Bale.
SAVE! Navas has to push away a strike from Lingard after the England international had found space in a central position. Lingard has started extremely well here.
Plenty happening at the moment as Man United continue to enjoy possession in the final third of the field, with Martial, Rashford, Lingard and Pereira all changing positions. Real Madrid are yet to really gain control of the ball, but the Spanish outfit are such a threat on the counter-attack.
The match is yet to really settle, but I should imagine that will be the case in the next five or 10 minutes, especially considering the heat out there. It surely cannot continue at this quick pace.
Still goalless with 14 minutes on the clock, but there is a really good tempo about this match, with both teams enjoying decent spells of possession. Man United are just that yard quicker though.
I expected Pereira to play in a central position alongside Carrick and Fellaini, but he is actually operating in a wide position for Man United, and seeing plenty of the ball as well. The Premier League club continue to play the more incisive football in Real Madrid's half of the field.
Super work from Fosu-Mensah as the full-back comes across to challenge Bale after the Welshman had threatened to break into a dangerous position. Fosu-Mensah has started very well here.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of attacking football in the last couple of minutes, although Man United continue to enjoy more of the ball. Tonight is primarily about fitness for both teams.
Plenty happening in terms of challenges at the moment as both teams compete for the ball.
So, 25 minutes on the clock, and both managers will be pretty pleased with what they have seen. Man United have shaded the overall play, but Real Madrid have shown some nice combinations in the final third of the field. We are still waiting for the match to produce an out-and-out chance.
Just a reminder that next up for Man United is a clash with Barcelona on Wednesday, while Real Madrid will take on Manchester City on the same night. This International Champions Cup is throwing up some fixtures, that is for sure! Still goalless between Real Madrid and Man United.
Romero rises to collect a cross from Marcelo, who had seemingly spotted Vasquez in an advanced position. We are still waiting for the first real chance of this International Champions Cup fixture.
Bailly and Fosu-Mensah have been absolutely wonderful for Man United in the opening 31 minutes of this match. Marcelo and Bale are not really getting a sniff down the left at the moment.
Drinks break!
Both sets of players have managed to get some much-needed fluid on board!
It is 31 degrees in California this afternoon, and it is not much of a surprise that a drinks break has been called. In all likelihood, both managers will make seven or eight changes each at the interval.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, and the score remains goalless. Both teams have had decent moments in the final third of the field, but it is difficult to say that either has had a clear opportunity. Lingard has come the closest to scoring, with his effort beaten away by Navas.
Fosu-Mensah and Darmian combine to clear a dangerous free kick from Kroos, which had threatened to cause problems inside the Man United box. Still goalless in California here.
Both teams have been a little sloppy in possession in the last couple of minutes, which has actually added to the excitement. Bale breaks clear down the left before delivering a dangerous cross towards Benzema, but Jones is on hand to make the clearance. Super work from Bale there.
CLOSE! Lingard comes close to sending Man United ahead after firing one towards the far corner, but his effort just misses the post. Lingard has looked the likeliest for the Red Devils.
Just a reminder that we are expecting wholesale changes at the interval.
Super defending from Bailly to hack clear a cross from Modric, which had beaten Romero, and only needed a tap-in at the far post. Real Madrid are ending the first period on the front foot here.
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Man United (Lingard)
Breakthrough! Man United take the lead in the final stages of this first period as Martial shows wonderful feet to dance into the Real Madrid box before putting one on a plate for Lingard, who could not miss at the far post! Wonderful, wonderful work from the Frenchman there.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-1 Man United
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Man United leading Real Madrid 1-0 courtesy of a finish from Lingard, who converted at the far post after excellent work from Martial. It has been an open and entertaining contest between these two European giants.
STATISTICS! Man United dominated the first-half possession with 55%, while the Red Devils managed four attempts - two of which were on target. Real Madrid, on the other hand, did not manage to test Romero between the Man United sticks. The English outfit just about deserve their lead.
BENCH WATCH! Blind, Herrera, Lindelof, Lukaku, Pogba and Valencia are among those that will be hoping to feature for Man United in the second 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Zidane has the likes of Casemiro, Kovacic, Mayoral and summer signing Theo Hernandez in reserve here.
RESTART! Real Madrid resume the action here...
... SUBS! Well, Real Madrid have made wholesale changes at the break. Potentially their whole XI has changed. Let me confirm what has happened when the information becomes available. As for Man United, Mkhitaryan, Herrera and De Gea are among those to come on.
MAN UNITED SECOND-HALF XI: De Gea; Darmian, Lindelof, Smalling, Blind; Pogba, Herrera, Fellaini; Martial, Lukaku, Mkhitaryan
Real Madrid have also made wholesale changes, with Casemiro, Kovacic, Tejero, Hernando and Casilla among those to enter. It is always fun when all of the subs take place at the interval!
Oscar looks to take De Gea by surprise after finding space inside the Man United half, but the youngster's was always moving wide of the post. That was very ambitious from the Spaniard.
Herrera looks to have a problem for Man United after taking a knee in his hip.
MAN UNITED SUB! Herrera has to be replaced by McTominay.
Theo Hernandez has come on for his Real Madrid debut following a summer move from Real Madrid. However, Luca Zidane remains on the bench for Los Blancos. Right, let's concentrate on the football. It has been a decent start to the second period, but no real opportunities thus far.
Theo Hernandez has the chance to break down the left for Real Madrid, and the summer signing delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post, but Smalling does enough to make the clearance.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as Oscar meets a dangerous cross from Theo Hernandez, but Pogba manages to head clear, before McTominay clears down the field. Little over 30 minutes of this International Champions Cup clash remaining, and Man United still boast a one-goal lead.
Real Madrid have a free kick in a dangerous area as McTominay brings Oscar to the deck...
... Kovacic's set piece is straight into the wall.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with both teams guilty of losing possession in the middle of the park. Lukaku has not really been able to get into the game since entering at the break, although most of the football has been played in the middle third.
Martial almost finds the head of Lukaku with a searching cross, but the ball is just too high.
Fellaini heads a Mkhitaryan corner over the crossbar from inside the Real Madrid box.
Little over 25 minutes of football remaining tonight, and both managers will be thinking about more changes as we approach the final stages. Tuanzebe and Mitchell will both be hoping to feature for Man United, but Luca Zidane might have to wait until later in the tour to feature for Real Madrid.
Possession football for Real Madrid, but no real cutting edge at the moment.
Fellaini finds space inside the Real Madrid box and spins before looking to shoot, but the midfielder was in an offside position. Quite a scrappy game at the moment it must be said.
PENALTY REAL MADRID!
Real Madrid have a penalty as Lindelof hacks Hernandez to the ground inside the Man United box.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Man United (Casemiro, pen)
Real Madrid are level as Casemiro smashes his penalty into the top of the net, some effort!
SAVE! De Gea has to push clear an attempt from Quezada, who looked to pick out the near post with a clever free kick. Real Madrid are quicker to the ball all over the park at the moment.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining, and we will have penalties if this stays 1-1.
MAN UNITED SUB! Valencia replaces Darmian for Man United. Meanwhile, we are going to have another water break, which is not too much of a surprise. The heat out there is insane.
We are back underway following the latest water break.
Half-chance for Man United as McTominay feeds Pogba inside the Real Madrid box, but the Frenchman is just crowded out at the vital moment, and Real Madrid can clear their lines here.
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match, with both teams committing players in the final third of the field. We have to have a winner here, so a penalty shootout may well occur.
CHANCE! Stunning chance for Man United to score as McTominay finds Fellaini unmarked inside the Real Madrid box, but the Belgian somehow fires over from close range!
BOOKING! Oscar (Real Madrid) is booked for a trip on Mkhitaryan.
It does appear that we will need a penalty shootout to separate these two teams tonight.
Hakimi misses the Man United crossbar with an effort from just outside the box.
Strike from Hernando this time, but his effort also misses the Man United goal.
Lukaku heads a Blind free kick wide, and that could be that in terms of the 90 minutes.
Dani Gomez misses De Gea's post with a low strike.
END OF 90 MINUTES: Real Madrid 1-1 Man United
Stay with us! The match is going to penalties!
The crowd here cannot wait for penalties, and it will be interesting to see who steps up for both teams. Due to the match being in the International Champions Cup, we have to have a winner!
Right, we are just about ready to get the penalties underway here.
MISS! Martial sends his effort into the stands!
SAVE! De Gea keeps out Kovacic's effort!
SAVE! Casilla keeps out McTominay's effort!
SAVE! Oscar is denied by De Gea!
GOAL! Finally! Mkhitaryan scores for Man United!
GOAL! Quezada squeezes the ball past De Gea.
SAVE! Casilla keeps out Lindelof's strike.
WIDE! Theo Hernandez sends his effort wide of the post.
GOAL! Blind goes down the middle to score for Man United.
CROSSBAR! Casemiro smashes the crossbar!
Man United win that bizarre penalty shootout 2-1!
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 1-1 Man United (Man United win 2-1 on penalties)
So there we have it - what a strange end to the match! Man United make it four wins from four on their pre-season tour of the United States after a penalty-shootout victory over Real Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
